IMPACT OF GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE AND FEMICIDE ON THE SOCIO-ECONOMIC WELL-BEING OF WOMEN IN NAIROBI COUNTY, KENYA

Abstract

This study seeks to understand the effects of gender-based violence and femicide on the socio-economic well-being of women in Nairobi County, Kenya. The study particularly focuses on different forms of gender-based violence that women experience in Kenya. At the same time, the research study evaluates the various causes of gender-based violence in Kenya and how women cope with them. Gender-based violence in Kenya has become rampant hence the need to address the issue and eliminate the vice. However, many obstacles have hindered the full eradication of gender-based violence. As addressed in this research, these impediments include different communities' culture, traditions, and norms. The existence of patriarchal structures in Kenya has stalled the implementation of policies and legislation put in place to fight gender-based violence. As will be discussed in this study, women's socio-economic well-being seeks to empower women to stand up for their rights and fight domestic violence. However, this has not been the case, as various cultural prohibitions exist. At the same time, a lack of personal goodwill, self-esteem, and action plans has hindered the fight against women's abuse. This study identifies various concepts that are under gender-based violence and seeks to know how they affect the socio-economic well-being of women in Nairobi County, Kenya. Using qualitative analysis of secondary sources, the researcher concludes that gender-based violence negatively impacts the socio economic well-being of women in Nairobi. Victims of gender-based violence often fall into depression and, hence, lack the initiative and empowerment to participate in socio-economic activities that improve their livelihood. At the end of the study, the researcher also makes various recommendations on how to cope with gender-based violence against women and suggests various strategies to overcome the societal impediments that prevent the end of gender violence against women in Kenya.